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- Tasks: Lead global product teams in early oncology R&D, shaping strategies and driving execution.
- Company: AstraZeneca, an inclusive employer committed to innovation in cancer treatment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team pushing the boundaries of oncology research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cancer therapies and redefine standards of care.
- Qualifications: PhD or MD/PhD with proven drug development success in oncology.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
This job is with AstraZeneca, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Location: Cambridge, UK
Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits
As Senior Director and Global Product Lead, this role holds end-to-end leadership for multiple early global product teams spanning IO, ADC and Cell Therapy platforms, from candidate selection through Phase III investment decision. Acting as the "CEO" of each asset, this position shapes and drives the strategy, execution and differentiation of a portfolio of oncology candidates. The remit includes critically assessing science, clinical data and the competitive landscape, then translating insights into clear development strategies that align with the broader oncology vision. This position engages diverse stakeholders, communicates complex plans with clarity, and steers teams through key decision points that influence the future of cancer treatment.
Ready to lead assets that could redefine standards of care?
Accountabilities- End-to-end product leadership: Lead global product teams from preclinical candidate selection through proof of concept and Phase III investment decisions, with potential extension into late-stage development and registration.
- Single point of accountability: Own strategy, budget, timelines, and execution across a portfolio of preclinical and clinical-stage oncology assets.
- Differentiated development plans: Develop and own integrated product strategies that align with business objectives and clearly differentiate assets versus competitors.
- Governance excellence: Present and defend strategies at governance forums to secure funding, endorsement, and alignment on critical milestones.
- Data-driven agility: Continuously monitor scientific and clinical signals, anticipate inflection points, and pivot program strategies to maximize value and patient impact.
- Proactive risk management: Identify, mitigate, and communicate risks across global teams to enable transparent, timely decision-making.
- Influence without authority: Foster a high-performing, collaborative environment by coaching cross-functional colleagues and strengthening team cohesion.
- External engagement: Build trusted relationships with investigators and partners to ensure programs reflect evolving practice patterns, unmet needs, and real-world patient perspectives.
- Scientific rigor and ethics: Champion patient-centric thinking, data integrity, and ethical standards in every aspect of development.
- Advanced degree: PhD or MD/PhD required.
- Proven drug development success: Clear record of moving assets through key development stages.
- Industry experience: Early-phase non-clinical and/or clinical development experience with regulatory awareness.
- Oncology depth: Strong knowledge of the oncology therapeutic area with experience across diverse biological modalities (e.g., small molecules, biologics, ADCs, cell/gene therapies).
- Clinical landscape fluency: Broad understanding of evolving standards of care, trial design trends, and competitive dynamics.
- Leadership in matrixed settings: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and align cross-functional teams.
- Collaboration track record: Proven success cultivating and managing internal and external partnerships.
- Influence and communication: Demonstrated ability to influence peers and senior leaders across functions.
- Integrity: Uncompromising commitment to ethical conduct and patient-first decision-making.
- Experience in the development of small molecules is highly desirable.
- Due diligence experience as GPLs are often required to participate in companywide initiatives.
AstraZeneca offers an environment where scientific ambition is matched by real-world impact, uniting experts from academia and industry to push the boundaries of oncology research. Work alongside diverse leaders and collaborators across the globe, leveraging extensive external partnerships and cutting-edge platforms to accelerate progress against some of the hardest-to-treat cancers, while building a meaningful long-term career shaped by curiosity, courage and collaboration.
If this opportunity to lead transformative oncology assets resonates, apply now to shape the next generation of cancer therapies!
Start date: ASAP
Salary: Negotiable
Senior Director, Global Product Lead, Early Oncology R&D employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Global Product Lead, Early Oncology R&D
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to AstraZeneca or oncology. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to make connections that could lead to insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into AstraZeneca's recent projects and innovations in oncology. Show us you’re not just familiar with the company but genuinely excited about their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of your past successes in drug development and leadership. We want to hear how you've navigated challenges and driven results in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take on the challenge of redefining cancer treatment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Global Product Lead, Early Oncology R&D
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Director role. Highlight your experience in oncology and product leadership, showing how you align with AstraZeneca's mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on your achievements in drug development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive successful outcomes in early-phase oncology projects.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas and experiences, making it easy for the hiring team to see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Oncology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in oncology, especially around IO, ADC, and Cell Therapy platforms. Being able to discuss recent advancements and how they relate to AstraZeneca's portfolio will show your passion and expertise.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Prepare to present your past experiences as compelling stories that highlight your leadership and strategic thinking. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, particularly when discussing your successes in drug development.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence without authority. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams and built relationships with external partners. This will be key in showing you can navigate the complexities of the role.
✨Be Data-Driven
Showcase your analytical skills by discussing how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Be ready to talk about specific instances where you identified risks or opportunities based on scientific and clinical signals, and how you pivoted strategies accordingly.